Melissa Ward

Melissa Ann Casperson Ward, 88, of Idaho Falls, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at her home. Melissa was born March 27, 1922 in Banida, Franklin County, Idaho, to John William Casperson and Edna Maughan Casperson. She attended local schools and graduated from Preston High School. She married James Howard Ward on December 2, 1946 in the Logan Utah LDS Temple. They made their home in Boise where they raised their nine children. Over the years, Melissa worked as a nurse, a real estate agent, and a wedding planner. Foremost, she took great pride in being a homemaker. Melissa and Howard raised their family in Boise where they resided for over 60 years. They moved to Idaho Falls in 2009. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including Relief Society, Stake Primary Presidency, and the Young Women’s Organization. She enjoyed sewing, floral work, community theater, quilting, and gardening. Melissa was very creative and this echoed through her life as she decorated unique birthday and wedding cakes, made costumes, designed parade floats, and produced roadshows. The cultural enrichment of her children was very important to her. She sacrificed much so her children could receive music and dance lessons. One of her fondest memories was when she and Howard hosted a barbecue and barn dance for friends and family before moving from the farm located on East Boise Avenue and Apple Street in Boise. She had an abiding testimony of Jesus Christ and was gratified that six of her children served church missions. Survivors include: Husband: James Howard Ward, Idaho Falls, ID Son: William Stuart (Caryl) Ward, Nampa, ID Son: Dennis Milton (Judy) Ward, Salt Lake City, UT Daughter: Christie Ann (M. Parkes)Tanner, Coulee Dam, WA Son: Kim Howard (Kathryn)Ward, Boise, ID Daughter: Juliet Fawn (Gregg) Komp, Portland, OR Son: Jeffery Kurt (Patricia)Ward, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Kelly C. (Jona)Ward, Twin Falls, ID Daughter: Meggan Melissa (Kip)Nield, Idaho Falls, ID 36 grandchildren and 63 great grandchildren She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Kit Nolan Ward. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2011 at the Ammon West LDS Stake Center, 2055 Coronado, with Bishop David Standley of the Idaho Falls LDS Stonehaven Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave., Idaho Falls.

Funeral Services -- Monday

10:30 a.m. ,Monday, March 7, 2011 Ammon West Stake Center 2055 Coronado Idaho Falls, ID 83404 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the church prior to services. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery.